Explorer Aliah Ward, an Explorer alumna, recently received the prestigious Medallion Scholarship from Western Michigan University’s Lee Honors College. Ward, who joined the Merze Tate Explorers as a 4th grader, received the Medallion Scholarship endowed by Dr. Merze Tate, the organization’s namesake and 1927 graduate of WMU. Ward is the first member of the Merze Tate Explorers ever to receive this prestigious honor.

The scholarship is just one of several Medallion scholarships presented to outstanding WMU Honors College students. In 1984, Dr. Tate and other philanthropists presented the first funds to the Medallion Scholarship. At the time, the scholarships were valued at $32,000 each and were the largest merit-based awards presented at any U.S. college or university. Today, the value of these full-ride, four-year scholarships is $92,110 each.

Ward is among the more than 700 students to receive Medallions and pledge a spirit of commitment, excellence, and leadership as a recipient. Sonya Hollins, founder of the Merze Tate Explorers, presented Ward with a special plaque which recognized her as the first Explorer to receive the scholarship endowed by Merze Tate.

Congratulations, Aliah!